These spy pictures reveal the upcoming hardcore Ferrari 599 GTO while it parked in Italy. Rumours suggest a 700hp mill under the bonnet.

Rumors of a hardcore Ferrari 599 GTO now appear to be cemented into truth by the appearance of these spy pictures. The last Ferrari GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) model was the 288 GTO of 1984 and only 272 units were produced. Disguises include some camouflage on the sills and the bumpers, as well as 599XX-like roof elements.

It is expected the 599 GTO will be a road-going version of the 599XX concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and recently shaken down by F1 driver Felipe Massa. Pundits in the know say its 6.0-litre V12 engine which is derived from the Enzo's motor will produce about 515 kW (700 PS / 690 bhp) with rev limiter at 9,000rpm. That should give it a 0 - 100km/h sprint time of about 3.2 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than the 599 GTB. Top speed could reach 350km/h (217 mph) to make it one of the two fastest Ferraris ever, alongside the Enzo.

Pricing is expected to be around €340,000 (US$464,950) when the car launches in a couple of months time.